Toll Free: 1-800-545-5735Outage Hotline: 1-800-619-5460www.caec.coop

Prattville O� ce: 103 Jesse Samuel Hunt Blvd.Mailing: P.O. Box 681570Prattville, AL 36068

Clanton O� ce:1601 7th St. North

Rockford O� ce:9191 U.S. Hwy. 231

Wetumpka O� ce: 637 Coosa River Pkwy.

Terry Mitchell Chairman, Stewartville(256) 249-3128

Charles ByrdVice Chairman, Deatsville(334) 361-3324

Mark Presnell, Sr.Secretary/Treasurer, Wetumpka(334) 567-2689

C. Milton JohnsonStatesville(334) 412-2843

Patsy M. Holmes Wetumpka(334) 567-8273

David A. Kelley, Sr. Rockford(256) 496-0160

Jimmie Harrison, Jr.Maplesville(334) 366-4338

Van SmithBillingsley(205) 755-6166

Chase RiddlePrattville(334) 365-3648

Mark GrayClanton(205) 351-1889

Board of Trustees

Contact Us

The Gridiron of Economic Development

This time of year fi nds us in the heart of football season. But before the Friday night lights come on and the bands play

their fi ght songs, months of coaching, practices and prep work must take place, oft en unseen and out of the limelight.

Just like football, or most sports, economic development is a team eff ort in a fi eld full of competition. It takes people in many diff erent positions to come and work together to create a successful strategy. As a part of that team, CAEC partners with our local communities to help win jobs and capital investments into our area. Regionally, we work with others to promote sound decision-making and to support quality investments that will have a long term positive impact on our region. All of this work not only helps strengthen our communi-ties, it also brings Cooperative Principle number seven, concern for community, to life (you can read more about this foundational principle on page 6).

Th rough strategic initiatives, CAEC helps defi ne a game plan with a set of activities that seek to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for our members and their communities. Th ese initiatives are based on the needs, assets and goals of the com-munity and how the regional puzzle can fi t together to optimize success.

We need a full roster of supporters to achieve our goals—accomplished with network-ing and educational opportunities for elected offi cials and local leaders. We work along-side fellow economic development agencies and organizations, as well as chambers of commerce and state agencies, allowing us to form strong relationships—a key to creating a working team that can win projects.

Each teammate has a skill vital to our overall goal. For example, one of the roles your cooperative plays is to help secure grants and low interest loans to assist businesses. Just last year, CAEC helped secure a USDA grant for a cotton gin facility to install energy effi cient equipment.

Additionally, in partnership with county governments, CAEC is developing and mar-keting two interstate business parks located between Montgomery and Birmingham on Interstate 65. Federal, state and local grants are secured to build the infrastructure necessary to market these sites to companies that are looking to locate in our service territory and provide jobs. Th e competition is fi erce, requiring relationship building as well as infrastructural incentives to drive our team forward.

Just as important as formulating a winning strategy is preparing the people who are ready to take the fi eld. CAEC works with many workforce development groups that help educate and train individuals—the people of our area, our neighbors and friends—to step into commercial, offi ce, retail and industrial jobs. Having a prepared workforce is vital—when a prospective industry or employer visits the area, one of the fi rst questions asked is about the workforce and the skill base of the area.

Teamwork and preparation are key to a successful economic development strategy. And while it may not seem as exciting as watching your quarterback throw the game-winning touchdown, when we do score, it’s a victory for everyone, no matter which team you cheer for on the gridiron. A

Connie BainbridgeCAEC Manager of Community & Economic Development

Energy Effi ciency Products & Services

CAEC off ers many products and services to help you save money by taking control of your energy use. Listed below are some of the programs and services we off er for your convenience.

Energy Audits

CAEC off ers rebates for water heaters. Purchase your new water heater from any retailer and receive a rebate for meeting the following criteria:

• Only electric water heaters (cannot be tankless)

• Minimum energy factor of .92

• Participation in CAEC's Peak Shaving Program

Water heaters will be inspected to verify the following:

• Installation at member's address

• Manufacturer's Information: Name, model and serial #

• Proof of purchase: Copy of receipt, store name and spec information

Rebates are available in the following amounts:

• Under 80 gal: up to $235

• 80 gal or larger: up to $375

Water Heater Rebate Program

CAEC off ers rebates on high effi ciency air-to-air heat pumps, dual fuel systems, mini-split heat pumps and geothermal units for both standard and manufactured homes. Th e minimum SEER rating allowed is 15 on standard homes or if a manufactured home is switching from an electric furnace to a heat pump, a 13 SEER rating will be allowed.

Peak Shaving Program

CAEC's wholesale power costs are determined by our members' highest, or peak, electricity usage for a particular day and those costs can aff ect your rates for the entire year if that usage is extremely high. But there is something you can do through CAEC's Peak Shaving Program. Th is eff ort targets electric hot water heaters, which can use approximately 18 percent of your home's annual energy.

By participating in this program you also qualify for an electric water heater rebate; details are listed in the "Water Heater Rebate Program" above.

CAEC’s Energy Audit program helps members identify ways to make their homes more energy effi cient. One of CAEC’s Energy Services Representatives (ESR) and Certifi ed Residential Energy Auditor will conduct the audits. Th ere is an up-front cost ($75 for a basic audit and $100 for an advanced audit) but the fee will be reimbursed when improvements are made to the home based on the ESR’s recommendations. Contact CAEC today for more details at (800) 545-5735 ext. 2178 or (334) 351-2178.

Heat Pump Rebate Program

For more information on these programs,

call (800) 545-5735, extension 2118 or visit our website

caec.coop

NOVEMBER 2015 5

Concern for the community is not only a found-ing cooperative principle, but it is also the reason

cooperatives like CAEC were established. Th e people in our parents’, grandparents’ or great grandparents’ generation came together using the cooperative business model as their guide to address a key concern for their communities— to bring safe, reliable and affordable electric power to our area – that defi ned our purpose.

But in addition to powering homes and businesses (while focusing on member needs) cooperatives work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and programs. With this in mind, CAEC has numerous programs that allow us to be a responsible member of our communities.

Education is key when it comes to bettering the com-munities we serve. Our Bright Ideas Grant program has awarded more than $256,000, benefi tting more than 100,000 students in area classrooms since 1998. Th e Youth Tour program has allowed many high-school

juniors to see the political process in action and gain vital leadership skills to better serve their communities. Additionally, each year CAEC awards scholarships to graduating seniors to help fund their educational en-deavors. Your co-op also works with schools to educate students on issues from energy effi ciency and safety to career opportunities within the cooperative world. We have a joint initiative with the Boy Scouts of America, through the Explorers Post Program, which helps stu-dents who have shown an interest in engineering learn more about this career fi eld.

Investing in the people and in the development of our area is also vitally important. Th rough economic development initiatives and partnerships with local communities, elected offi cials, chambers of commerce

Concern for Community

Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.

Offi cial Founding Principle #7:

Principle #7:

Informing students of the many career

opportunities co-ops off er, through

job-shadow days and career fairs

6 NOVEMBER 2015

and economic development organizations, we work to promote quality investments that will have long-term positive impacts on our region in the form of jobs and infrastructure projects. CAEC works with many work-force development groups that help educate and train individuals to step into commercial, business, retail and industrial jobs.

But there may be no better demonstration of our con-cern for our communities than that exhibited by our employees. Whether it’s coaching a little league team, serving in a prison ministry or volunteering at a local fire department, those who work for CAEC are just like you and they strive to make our communities bet-ter. Over the last two years our employees, working with our members, have donated over 1,000 pounds

of food during our Tide vs. Tigers food drive. These donations have benefitted the Montgomery Area Food Bank, which helps supply food for families in our service territory, and once again, this initiative will take place this month.

While it has been 76 years since we began offering elec-tricity and many changes have occurred over that peri-od, our concern for our community has never wavered. We will continue to work alongside our members for the sustainable development of the region we serve. A

Value of Membership

CAEC offices will be closed Nov. 26-27for Thanksgiving

The construction of the Alabama

Baptist Convention's Disaster Relief

Center at our Interstate Business

Park is just one of many economic

development projects in our area

Not only does CAEC sponsor

community events, highlighting

the vast resources of our area,

but our employees are also often

active participants

NOVEMBER 2015 7www.caec.coop

If there’s one thing we know in Alabama, it’s football. As you cheer on your favorite teams each Saturday and relish the amazing plays, don’t forget to keep safety front and center when tackling a

do-it-yourself project to avoid injury while getting game-winning results.

Score Points with Safety Equipment

Just like a helmet and pads are required on a football field, safety items are essential for DIY tasks. Read and follow directions on every power tool you use. Wearing eye and ear protection and gloves, as well as tying back loose hair and securing loose clothing, are all important for your safety. If renting a tool, ask the store for safety tips.

Look Up, Down and All Around

For outside projects, first check the area where you will be working. Identify potential hazards and take time to avoid or correct any problems. Don’t forget to look up for power lines, and avoid using long poles or ladders within 10 ft. of overhead wires.

Will your project involve any digging? Before starting your project, call 811 before you dig even if you think you know where underground lines may be. The 811 service will mark all underground lines in your area for free before you start work.

Avoid the Blitz

Water and electricity don’t mix, so avoid running cords and electrical equipment through wet areas. In-spect cords for fraying or damage before use, and be sure outlets can handle any extra load from power tools. Overloading outlets can lead to more than just a shock: fire hazards can result from demanding too much from an electrical system.

Be Honest with Yourself

If a job seems like it might be too much to handle, leave it to a professional. Take into consideration heavy lifting, expensive tools that may get limited use and whether you really have the time. That way, you won’t be tempted to skip safety measures. A

CAEC Safety

8 NOVEMBER 2015 www.caec.coop

Tackle Home Projects Safely

As we enter a season of giving thanks, it is also a time when many of us begin to

think of helping those less fortunate. We may be surprised, however, to learn that some of our friends and neighbors may soon have to decide whether to heat their homes this winter or to purchase food and medications.

For this very reason, Project SHARE (Service to Help Alabamians with Relief on Energy) was formed in 1982. Designed to meet the energy needs of qualified, low-income elderly or dis-abled individuals facing financial and/or medical situations, the program is a joint effort between the American Red Cross and energy providers, such as CAEC. In addition to helping provide emergency energy assistance during peak winter and summer months, the program also provides valuable energy conservation and sensible bud-geting education.

To qualify for as-sistance, the family income must be within certain guidelines depending on the size of the household. In addition, the head of the household must be 62 years of age or older, or receive a disability check.

For as little as $1 a month, CAEC members can make a difference in someone’s life through Project SHARE. Participation is easy. You can pledge $1, $2, $5 or any other whole-dollar amount you choose each month, and it will be automatically added to your utility bill. While the donation may seem small, our members have collectively donated more than $40,000 over the last six years.

If you want to help your neighbors this winter and throughout the year visit our website, caec.coop, and click on the Project SHARE link under Community Enrichment or just give us a call at (800) 545-5735. A

Over the last six years,

CAEC members have

donated more than

$40,000 to Project

SHARE. Your $1 a

month could help so

many more of our

neighbors!To help your

neighbors today,

fill out and return

the form on the

next page

42 NOVEMBER 2015 www.caec.coop

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Neighbors Helping Neighbors

42 NOVEMBER 2015 www.caec.coop

What does $1 mean intoday's world?

A dollar means not having to choose between purchasing medication or

having hot water.A dollar means not having to choose

between buying food or lighting your home.For as little as $1 a month CAEC members

can support the Project SHARE program and help those in need from having to make these tough choices.

Help elderly and disabled Alabamians power their homes by saying yes to Project SHARE.

To participate in Project SHARE and become a part of the network of neighbors helping neighbors, you can contribute $1, $2, $5 or any other whole-dollar amount. Th e amount you select will be automatically added to your utility bill each month.

Call us at (800) 545-5735 for more information, or complete the form below and return it to CAEC.

Mail form to: Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, P.O. Box 681570, Prattville, AL 36068

Yes, I agree to help those in need through Project SHARE.

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Name:_______________________________________Phone #(s):__________________________________

Address:____________________________________City:______________________St:______Zip:_______

Account #:_________________________________________

Email:____________________________________________

Amount I wish to donate to Project SHARE each month: ____$1 ____$2 ____$5 ____ Other (please specify)

Signature:__________________________________________

Neighbors Helping Neighbors